MANAGEMENT OF UPPER RESPIRATORY-TRACT INFECTIONS BY TELEPHONE

We surveyed Utah general internists (N = 134) regarding their attitude s toward and practices associated with telephone management of upper r espiratory tract infections. The questionnaire contained 3 case vignet tes-viral upper respiratory tract infection, streptococcal pharyngitis , and acute infectious epiglottitis-and a series of questions were ask ed about telephone diagnosis, management preferences (clinic versus te lephone), and telephone management practices. The 53 respondents (40%) were able to make important diagnostic distinctions about upper respi ratory tract infections from a written vignette. As the likelihood of a complicated or serious condition increased, patients would be approp riately triaged for clinical evaluation. Most internists would make a written record of the telephone conversation. Only 1 internist of the 53 would charge for telephone management.